Evidence

Family Nurse Partnership (FNP) has been developed from over 35 years of extensive international research.

In the UK

In an Early Intervention Foundation review of 75 programmes which aim to support parent and child interaction in the early years, the Family Nurse Partnership was one of just two programmes to achieve the highest possible 4+ rating for evidence.

“FNP has established evidence (Level 4+) of improving a variety of child and parent outcomes, including attachment security in the short term, children’s early language development and reduced risk of preventable death in early adulthood.”

US research has also shown significant returns on investment to Government and to wider society.

Building Blocks

Findings from Building Blocks, an RCT published in 2015, increased understanding of FNP's effect in the UK.

Building Blocks showed that FNP has positive effects on early child development - crucial in determining future life chances – and helps to identify safeguarding risks at an earlier stage, preventing children from suffering harm and saving local authorities money. The trial also found that clients - often highly vulnerable young people - engaged well with FNP and especially valued the long-term relationship they had with their family nurse.

However, Building Blocks showed FNP to have no effect on short-term outcomes being measured in the trial. Learning from this, we have rolled out a series of improvements to increase the overall quality and efficiency of FNP and help sites to better meet local priorities. We have also embarked on Next Steps, an innovation programme designed to improve outcomes for clients, make FNP more flexible, personalised and cost-effective, and support the exchange of knowledge and skills between services.